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When it comes to Halloween, Wilmington, NC knows how to celebrate. From haunted streets to dinner cruises to theaters to museums, it seems all our favorite places are getting in on the action. If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate our favorite fall holiday, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve scared up five of our favorite ways to have a spooktacular time. Enjoy!

Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise

Celebrate Halloween by solving an exciting who-dunnit and mingle with unusual characters on a two-hour dinner cruise along the mysterious Cape Fear River! Hop aboard North Carolina's largest riverboat, the Henrietta III, and enjoy a Southern Buffet of tossed salad, baked seasoned chicken, sliced roast beef and gravy, vegetables, rice pilaf and of course dessert—all while figuring out who the killer is. Cruises set sail October 14-27th. Guests board at 6pm, and the event takes place from 6:30-8:30pm. Admission is $47.50 for adults and $26.25 for children.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

This classic production gets a new life thanks to Wilmington’s own City Stage Co. If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s about a naïve couple named Brad and Janet, who have car troubles in the middle of a stormy night and invited inside by a group of eccentric and decadent characters. Funny, irreverent, and unforgettable, we certainly hope this show becomes a Halloween tradition! The show takes place at 21 N. Front Street (Level 5) Oct 15-18, 23-25, and 30-Nov 1. All performances begin at 8:00. Tickets $20-25; $18 student, military, educator, and senior.

Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour

The Cotton Exchange is a historic landmark in downtown Wilmington, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that in addition to galleries, local stores, and a coffee shop, the place is also teeming with ghosts! And you can meet all of them by signing up for a Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour. Let by a five-star story teller, you’ll get the inside scoop on the chills and thrills that await you. Tours take place 7 days a week, tickets are $12, and children under 12 are free. Call (910) 409-4300 to book your spook-fest now.

Creepy Crawlies at the Cape Fear Museum

Ghost, goblins, and ghouls are scary, but these real-life insects will have you feeling creepy for real! The event takes place on Friday, October 30th, from 2-4pm, and kids will have the chance to examine all kinds of bugs and insects. Education, fun, and in the spirit of the season, children are also encouraged to wear costumes to this great event.

Why should kids have all the fun this Halloween? For an upscale yet scary good time, adults can head to the Hilton. The hotel is hosting a fun costume party and fundraising event with the Southerly Foundation to purchase a wounded veteran house. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit this worthy cause. The night will include music by Machine Gun, prizes for best costume, “horrors” d’oeuvres from 7pm to 9pm, and beer, wine, and a signature spooky cocktail. Tickets are $40 per person—grab yours before their gone!

Did we leave anything off our list? If so, let us know on Facebook! In the meantime, tell us: what’s your favorite kind of Halloween treat?